Taxi lobby wants crackdown on private cabs

Allowing private cars to operate as taxis is "totally outside" laws designed to keep people safe while using public transport, a NSW taxi lobby group says.

The NSW Taxi Council wants the state government "to uphold the law" and crack down on an app that encourages drivers without taxi licences to transport paying passengers in private cars.

"Regulations for public passenger services are there to protect the public interest, including ensuring drivers undergo rigorous background checks, vehicles meet a minimum standard and that organisations are held accountable for both public and driver safety," Taxi Council chief Roy Wakelin-King said.

"The industry, through taxi networks, is accountable under the law for ensuring there are effective safety and reliability systems in place."

Licensed taxis must keep detailed records of all journeys, drivers and vehicles. This is not the case with private cars.